Thursday, March 29, 2012

today, i'm leaving for a spontaneous adventure...


I remember the days when I'd wake up in the morning and hop in the car (or, for many years, my now-gone-but-never-forgotten 1978 Southwind RV), and just see where the road took me.  Back when I lived in Colorado and Oregon - when I'd only had Mountains of the Moon for a year or two and would only stop home long enough to sew enough garments to refill my inventory - this was a regular part of my life.  My friends and I would take our goods and just drive, in search of a fun festival or concert parking lot or cool city with fun boutiques to sell our wares.  I was a gypsy, and there was nothing I loved more than the freedom of not knowing.

Times have changed, and life is different now.  As many of us know, something happens when you get older.  The comforts of home (and/or an airplane for travel) become more appealing than the open road.  You settle in, take on more responsibilities (and bills), and find contentment in having already seen and done many of the things you'd planned to see and do in your "youth."  This is a good thing.  It's nice to have some stability, and to learn to appreciate the simple pleasures of everyday life in place of feeling the need to constantly search for something different.

But sometimes, even for just a fleeting moment, the itch creeps back in.  When this happens to me, I usually daydream and remember, or smile at old pictures of my impromptu travels.  Sometimes I plan a future trip to somewhere far away, or look at Robbie's band's schedule to find a time in the upcoming year that they're playing an interesting place where I can meet up with him.  It's been a looooong time, however, since I've scratched this itch with no advance planning, no airplane, no passport, no frantic business scheduling and organizing for the days leading up to my departure...  Until today. 


Robbie and I decided yesterday that today, we'd wake up, get in the car, and drive.  In the 5-1/2 years we've been together, we've never done this, even though it was a regular part of both of our lives in our early and mid 20s. It's been a rough couple of weeks in these parts, and having Robbie away from home for the longest stretch since we've met made all of the stresses even more challenging.  The idea of a little time away to "hit the reset button" (as Robbie calls it) feels like the best idea ever right now.  And although we have a couple of places in mind to go visit and won't be going far or staying gone for very long (we'll be back tomorrow night), it's a spontaneous adventure nonetheless.  It's nothing extravagant - just a quick two days and one night away from the city, away from the computer, away from pressures and worry and constant planning and responsibility.  A brief period of time to trust in the universe and see where it takes you.  I'm ready.


I'll be back in a couple of days with some more details, pictures, and hopefully, cool stories.  You can also follow our mini adventure via my Instagram (user name bubbyandbean) and Twitter. Au revoir!

*UPDATE:  Due to unforeseen circumstances (grown up things like bills + work stress = no fun), our "spontaneous" adventure has been pushed back a day.  As I type this, I'm literally laughing out loud at the bad movie storyline this would make.  Although not quite as spontaneous as I'd initially hoped, we're still heading out with no plan.  We are now officially leaving Friday morning.  Check into Twitter and Instagram for updates along the way!

image sources >> wedding photos by bliss studios // 'life is either a great adventure...' poster found here // 'not all who wander are lost' print via urban outfitters // 'let's go on an adventure' art print via bubby & bean's etsy shop


Follow Bubby and Bean

Bubby and Bean on Bloglovin

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Guess Who WON the Spring Celebration Giveaway?!


Big thanks to all of you who entered our Spring Giveaway!  It was our highest number of giveaway entries ever (477!), and we loved reading through all the entries and getting to see your favorite things about spring!  The winner was chosen via random.org, and that lucky Bubby and Bean reader is...


CONGRATULATIONS Jenni!  Jenni, who said that her favorite thing about spring was sunglasses and driving with the windows down (we love that too!), won through one of her extra entries.  She is the official recipient of a prize package from Sweet Skins, GrrFeisty, Little White Chapel, Blissoma, Blue Eyed Owl and Shannon Hearts!  (Jenni, please contact me at bubbyandbean {at} gmail.com so we can discuss getting you your prizes!)


Thanks again to our amazing March sponsors for contributing to this special giveaway.  If you entered but didn't win this time, never fear...  We have another seriously awesome giveaway in the works for April!

Follow Bubby and Bean

Bubby and Bean on Bloglovin

Hey! It's Morgan's Birthday!


Yep, it's another birthday post, for another of my very favorite people!  Bubby and Bean's beloved food editor (aka my little sister) Morgan turns a year older today!  She's coming up to Chicago from Indianapolis on Saturday and I can't wait to celebrate with her.  I'm not sure what we'll do, but it will undoubtedly involve the usual (wine drinking/shoe shopping/hair dying/general immaturity). 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISSY!  YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR AND I LOVE YOU!
(wedding photos by bliss studio)

Follow Bubby and Bean

Bubby and Bean on Bloglovin

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Fashion from Trash // My Recycled Candy Wrapper Dress


Over the weekend, I started the verrrry beginning stages of a much needed major reorganization of my studio/office/house. (I am not an organized person.  At all.  But that is an entirely different topic.)  Mainly I assessed the situation and came up with some plans and ideas, starting with the closet in my studio.  While looking through the madness, I came upon the dress seen above.  I'm not quite sure why I had it stuffed in the back of the closet (again, I am not an organized person), but decided to take it out and spruce it back up so I could share the story behind it with you guys.

This was actually a fashion project I did a few years ago in association with Chicago's Apparel Industry Board.  Several Chicago designers were asked to take part in an event called Sweet Chic that benefited the Spina Bifida Association of Illinois.  We were each assigned a brand of candy by the Tootsie Roll company (I was given Charleston Chew), then given excess candy wrappers and instructed to make gown from them.  The challenge was that the dress had to be wearable (yikes!), because it would be worn by a model in a runway show, then displayed at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art.  Thankfully we were allowed to incorporate fabric as well, but it was still not an easy feat!


I decided to design a late '50s vintage-inspired piece, with Audrey Hepburn as my inspiration. Being an eco-friendly designer, I was especially excited to be able to incorporate materials (the excess wrappers) that were otherwise landfill bound.  To keep with the sustainable/recycled theme, I decided to pair them with a vintage dupioni silk fabric.  I also used ripped pieces of of discarded tulle (also landfill bound) to give fullness to the skirt.  It took me over a month to construct the dress, mainly because the wrappers themselves presented a major challenge: they ripped when I tried to sew them with my machine.  Even when I attempted hand sewing, the hole made by the needle created an instant tear.  I had to experiment with an endless variety of methods in order to successfully attach them to each other and the fabric, but in the end, it was more than worth the countless hours and late nights.


This was the first of two occasions that my designs have been exhibited at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and it was an incredibly thrilling experience for me.  In addition how honored and elated I was to have something I created on display at one of my favorite museums, it was awesome to have visual proof that you really can create art from materials otherwise considered to be useless.  It was also pretty amazing knowing that all proceeds from the tickets to the exhibit were used to benefit local children suffering from Spina Bifida.

Have you ever created upcyled art or fashion from reclaimed items or materials normally considered to be trash?

We are almost sold out of sponsor spots for April (we currently have 1 large, 1 medium, and 2 small spaces left).   If you're thinking about advertising with us next month, please make sure to book your space asap. You can see stats, rates, and packages right here.



Follow Bubby and Bean

Bubby and Bean on Bloglovin

Monday, March 26, 2012

Maxed Out >> Maxi Skirts

It's funny.  When it comes to dresses, I like them short. Really short. (I mean, have you seen my wedding dress??)  But lately, when I go to put on a skirt, it's almost always long.  Sometimes it's just to the calves; other times it's full-on skimming the ground.  There's just something about a maxi skirt, especially in the springtime.  It's like the marriage of classic and casual style.  Sophistication and relaxation.  The skirts above are some of my current favorites.  (And one is from my own clothing line.  Can you spot it?)


1. Field of Vision Skirt, Anthropologie
2. Lady Grace Pleated Skirt, Threadsence
3. Arya Maxi Skirt (layered as strapless dress over skirt), Mountains of the Moon
4. Contrasting Denim Skirt, Free People
5. Green Pleated Maxi Skirt, Yigal Azrouel
6. Yellow Pleated Maxi Skirt, Christian Siriano
7. Halsten Heritage Pleated Maxi Skirt, Neiman Marcus
8. Cheap Monday Maxi Skirt in orange, ASOS

What are your thoughts on long skirts for spring?


And on a completely different note, I just have to share the fact that this could quite possibly be the most excited I've ever been on a Monday.  That's because after three consecutive weeks, my husband is finally coming home from the band's winter tour!  They have been gone for this long a few times in the past, but I've always made a trip to go see him.  I wasn't able to this time, so it's officially been the longest we've ever gone without seeing each other.  It hasn't been easy, and I can't even put into words how much I'm looking forward to having him here for a couple of weeks and thus having a little bit of "normal" back in my life.  Since we weren't able to celebrate his birthday together, I'm going to grab dinner from his favorite restaurant and have it waiting here for him when he walks in the door tonight. Awww... 

Last Thursday would have been Bubby dog's 16th birthday.  I'd intended on writing a special post about him, but I felt very sad, and decided to give myself a little time.  I'm glad I did, because I came up with some initial plans for a little project in his honor that will help other dogs and pets.  I think it's going to be really cool, and you'll be able to get involved too!  I'll make an announcement once I get everything into place.  


Follow Bubby and Bean

Bubby and Bean on Bloglovin

Saturday, March 24, 2012

simple reminders


Just a few simple + positive reminders...

We've been adding lots of new art to our Etsy shop, including some of the pieces you see above.  Spring is all about rebirth, growth, and fresh outlooks.  So I've been especially inspired to bring these themes into our typographic pieces.  I hope these encouraging messages bring a little extra joy to your weekend!


Follow Bubby and Bean

Bubby and Bean on Bloglovin

Friday, March 23, 2012

Fresh Fashion // Sweet Skins Organic Apparel

Today's post is a special interview with this month's featured sponsor, Mira of Sweet Skins Organic Apparel.  I had the pleasure of meeting Mira several years ago when we both showed our eco-fashion lines at Green Festival in San Francisco.  She is a very sweet lady and a talented designer (and just as gorgeous in real life!).  I hope you enjoy this peek into her world!

Hi Mira!  Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background.
My name is Mira and I'm the designer/owner of Sweet Skins.  I live in Eugene, Oregon with my three kids (and one on the way!).  As a little girl, I traveled throughout Southeast Asia with my hippie parents and five siblings, settling in Thailand for the majority of my childhood. This was the perfect experience for me to discover a love of Asian art and the tribal design that adds a global influence to my pieces.  I returned to the states at the age of 13.  Later, as a young artist, I became a mother myself.   I eventually made the move to Eugene to raise my young family, and it was here that I first became hip to the green movement and things began falling into place.


How did you become interested in designing sustainable clothing?
I've been sewing since I was a little girl, and started selling my clothing at the local farmers market eight years ago years ago. I'd always been drawn to natural fibers, but I didn't think about sustainability until I discovered how amazing hemp is.

We share very similar ethics in the way we produce our clothing lines.  I've touched on sustainable design and production a little here in the past, but can you tell our readers a little more about it, and what Sweet Skins does to produce a conscious, eco-friendly line?
We use ecologically sound fibers and fabrics in our designs, like eco-fleece, hemp, organic cottons and wool, for their low impact processing and superior texture and quality.  Dyes are low impact and everything from fabric scraps to paper products are recycled or reused.  We also practice conscious manufacturing.  Our clothing is designed and constructed locally, in a converted garage studio sew shop by a handful of diverse women living in Eugene.


Where do you see yourself and/or your business in 5 years?
I hope to have my website be a 'go to' place for hip eco clothing, shoes and accessories over the next 5 years.  And to continue to be committed to maintaining strong roots to the community, the health of the planet and to help pave the road for a new more conscious business model. 

I love and 100% agree with your business ethic.  Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about it?
I believe that running a business is a huge responsibility and also a huge opportunity to do good things. I want to be a role model for future companies and for young people from diverse backgrounds.


One of our most popular series on Bubby and Bean is 'Friday is For Favorites.' Tell us your favorite of each of the following: color, movie, food, and band.
My favorite color is dark plum. Movie is Slum Dog Millionaire. Sushi is my favorite food, and my favorite band is Bjork.
Miss Mira is currently in Egypt for two weeks, and we actually conducted this interview during her layover earlier this week!  Big thanks to her for taking time out from her travels to share a little about herself and her work with our readers.  Make sure you take a minute to check out more of Mira's beautiful eco-threads in the Sweet Skins shop! You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter and her blog.  For those of you in Oregon, Mira also owns an eco boutique in Eugene, located at 782 Blair Boulevard.  And you can also enter for a chance to win one of her beautiful eco-fleece wrap hoodies in our current giveaway.  Thanks again Mira!


If you're interested in becoming a Bubby and Bean sponsor, we currently have just a few spots remaining for April (and are accepting sponsors for May at this time as well).  Visit our Sponsor Page for details.


Follow Bubby and Bean

Bubby and Bean on Bloglovin

Thursday, March 22, 2012

My Style >> Tiny Umbrellas and Coral Poppies


Confession: I debated on and off for several hours (okay, days) whether or not this post should make it to the blog.  This is because, as you can see, the quality of the photographs is borderline atrocious.  I quickly snapped these shots in the evening before meeting a friend for a glass of wine, via my tripod, inside my house, with way too little light, blah blah blah.  If you're rolling your eyes right now, I totally get it.  It's an outfit post, Melissa.  It's not a post on the state of the world or philosophy or spirituality or anything even slightly profound.  But these shots came out all sorts of grainy and out of focus and I look a little like a feature-less alien.  And I just felt like if you can't really see the details of the images in a style post, then what's the point?  Needless to say, I decided to stop obsessing and post the damn thing, because I really like the outfit.  And hey, we're all friends here.  (P.S. At least I'm not whining about my dreamy gaze posing this time, right?)


I originally bought this dress to wear in Mexico back in January, and although I did wear it for a couple of hours for dinner there one evening, it was just a little too dressy for a lazy beach vacation.  I assumed it would be hiding in my closet until summertime, so I was pretty excited when the weather turned unseasonably warm last week and I was able to wear it this weekend.  When I saw this dress in the store, I just about died over the print.  It's tiny black polka dots scattered among little black vintage-looking umbrellas, which is basically the cutest thing ever.  The cut is great too, and the fabric drapes really nicely, so I snatched it right up.  (Which doesn't often happen when I'm browsing Forever 21.  I try to avoid buying there, but that's a whole different post.)   I was also thrilled to finally get to wear these shoes, which have been hibernating for the winter.  I bought them last summer but only had the chance to wear them twice before the cold arrived.  They are the most amazing shade of blue-green and have the coolest floral print on the wedges.  I plan to wear them much more often this spring.

I wanted the shoes to pop a little so I went with my old standbys (earthy eggplant colored tights), threw on some faux leather hoop earrings I made a few years ago, along with a muted brown belt and bracelet.  I mentioned my infatuation with adding pops of bright color to outfits in my last style post, and I think it was the yellow cocktail ring and coral clutch that made this look complete for me. I adore this clutch.  Anne from Sir Tom let me pick it out and sent it all the way from my beloved Australia.  It's organic cotton and the color is just brilliant.  My favorite part, though, is the subtle poppy on the front, which was hand screen printed on to the fabric.  Love.

Dress: Forever 21  //  Belt and bracelet: thrifted  //  Tights: Target  //  Earrings: made them
Shoes: Born Concept //  Ring: c/o Kendra Scott Jewelry  //  Clutch: c/o Sir Tom

There's definitely a lot going on in this look, but one of my favorite trends this season is combining patterns and colors that you normally wouldn't see together.  I also think it would look really cute dressed down with a denim jacket and bare legs.  All I know is that if I style it like that in the future and decide to feature it again, I'll be taking better pictures.  Mark my words.


Follow Bubby and Bean

Bubby and Bean on Bloglovin

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

It's My Very Favorite Person's Birthday!

Today is a special day you guys.  My very favorite person in the entire world was born today.  He's hilarious, witty, talented, kind, and devastatingly handsome.  He is an incredible friend (to many), an amazing cook, and a champion robot dancer.  He manages a stage like nobody's business, and is a pretty great guitar player too.  He has a magical ability to calm my stress, and he makes me laugh so hard my stomach hurts.  In fact, I am officially the luckiest girl in the world, because I got to marry him.  Before I get overly mushy (I'd rather not be responsible for you barfing on your laptop), I'll just come out and say it:  HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBBIE!  You are a rockstar of a husband and I am always and forever your biggest fan.

Right now, Robbie is on the road finishing up the band's winter tour.  We haven't seen each other in two and a half weeks, so it's going to be extra awesome when he gets home. (5 more days, but I'm not counting or anything).  I can't wait to shower him with belated birthday goodness!  For now, I'm just going to annoy him with endless birthday texts and Facetime sessions.  And this gushing post, of course.


It would be so fun to pass on some extra birthday love to Robbie across the miles, so if you want to give him a little 'happy birthday' shout-out in the comments, I'll make sure he sees it!

On a slighty less cheery note, tomorrow would have been Bubby dog's 16th birthday.  I miss that guy more than I could say, and I know that it's probably going to be a rough day.  But I have a little something special planned in his memory that I think you fellow animal lovers will enjoy, so stay tuned.:)


Follow Bubby and Bean

Bubby and Bean on Bloglovin